FEATURED STORY
We See You! Celebrating AVID Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, AVID takes immense pride in recognizing the remarkable achievements of our dedicated educators. Your unwavering commitment, from shaping young minds to fostering a culture of academic excellence, fuels the success stories of countless students. To celebrate YOU, AVID Center has put together two videos to express our gratitude to our wonderful community of educators. We see you, we thank you, and we are endlessly inspired by your dedication to closing the opportunity gap for all students. Congratulations on finishing another incredibly impactful school year!
We See You - Thank You From AVID Staff Video
We See You - Thank You From Students Video
As we express our gratitude during this special week, AVID looks forward to welcoming our community of educators during our Summer Professional Learning Experiences. It's an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue the journey of growth together.
Across the nation, AVID educators stand as beacons of inspiration in their communities. Their passion for teaching transcends the boundaries of the classroom, creating transformative learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive. To all our educator partners, we extend a heartfelt "thank you." Your dedication is making the world a brighter place for your students, shaping futures, and building bridges to success.
SPOTLIGHT
A Principal’s Perspective on Instructional Leadership
In a world where educators often wear multiple hats, Principal Dr. Scott Rodriguez-Hobbs of Patapsco High School took on a role that truly exemplifies dedication to student success. His journey into teaching the AVID Elective while remaining principal not only broke traditional barriers but also illuminated a transformative path for both educators and students.
We sat down with Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs and Lori Powers, the AVID Coordinator who nominated him, to delve into the profound impact of his decision. Read More
A Dual Role: Principal and Teacher
Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs' journey into teaching the AVID Elective was driven by a mix of envy and strategic insight. He candidly admitted, "Our school has been an AVID site for a very long time, and I was always kind of jealous of the teachers who got to teach the AVID Elective because it just always looks like so much fun." He added, “When I became the principal, I was told the best way to still figure out what's happening in the classroom is to stay in the classroom.” This desire, coupled with a deep understanding of the program's potential, led him to take a bold step to teach the AVID Elective alongside the school's library media specialist. “I am in class. I am a teacher like every other teacher in the building" he said.
A Principal's Transformation in the Classroom
For Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs, teaching the AVID Elective wasn't merely an additional responsibility; it became a cornerstone of his educational philosophy. His advice for principals is, "If you do nothing else, teach an AVID Elective course.” Immersed in the classroom environment, he gained unexpected insights into his school community. "I've learned a lot about my building... Did your teacher ask those questions? Are we modeling that for you?" he reflected. “Like when we're talking about focused notes, what weaknesses are we seeing in classrooms when we're talking about kids being able to ask questions? Where are you seeing that fall apart?”
His dual role as principal and teacher blurred the lines of authority, fostering a unique bond with his students. "When you are in your AVID class and you are teaching, truly you are their teacher, you're not their principal. You're their teacher, and you have the teacher relationship with the students."
A Catalyst for Student Success
Strong relationships with students were not new for Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs, as he has played a significant role in these students’ lives in his previous role as their middle school assistant principal. “So, it's been eye-opening in that respect…I've had them from 6th through 12th grade so to be able to see that kind of growth is very rewarding.”
Teaching the AVID Elective immersed him directly in what they were going through in high school. From understanding the ins and outs of the college application process to seeing what instruction in his building looked like from a student's perspective, Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs was able to see and understand his students better than ever and identify key areas of improvement for his AVID program.
Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs' impact extended far beyond the classroom walls. “When I'm having conversations with parents and families and kids, I can have it from a very different perspective. So, I feel like I'm able to offer a bigger range of services as the principal now than I probably could before, like I now know the teacher side. I know the principal side. I also know the counselor side.”
Time Commitment and School-Wide Influence
Despite the demanding nature of his role as principal, Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs prioritized his time in the AVID classroom. "Things happen where they need to call the principal, but for the most part, I just shut down for 90 minutes, and it's kind of the best 90 minutes of my day because it's the only time that there's not a crisis," he shared. This commitment underscored his belief in the power of direct engagement with students and led him to discover new insights and perspectives.
Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs' initiative didn't go unnoticed. His immersive experience as an AVID teacher provided valuable insights that reverberated school wide. Lori added, “I think the other really important piece that goes along with it is that our teachers in the building also have a different level of respect for Scott because they know he's not just pushing something out and saying do it. He's also doing it, so the teachers know that he's doing it, and then they also know that he's not going to push out a strategy that isn't going to work or that he doesn't believe in because he's also doing that in the classroom. So, it also helps with teacher buy-in because they trust the process more now.”
Continuing the Legacy and His Recommendations
As Dr. Rodriguez-Hobbs continues his journey in the AVID classroom, his impact remains palpable. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of passionate educators. "I'm an instructional leader because I'm an AVID teacher," he declared. Through empathy, collaboration, and innovation, he continues to shape the future of education, one student at a time. Dr. Scott Rodriguez-Hobbs recommends other principals and leaders get involved in the classroom if they can and encourages the AVID community to embrace these different perspectives and experiences.
In the spirit of May, let us celebrate educators like Dr. Scott Rodriguez-Hobbs, whose dedication and passion pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Nominate Yourself or Others to Be Featured in the AVID Spotlight!
Each AVID Community Newsletter will feature a Spotlight story, highlighting the amazing anecdotes out there in the AVID world from educators just like you! These stories are intended to inspire, make you smile, celebrate the good happenings among AVID students and educators, and more. Nominate yourself or others to be featured in the AVID Spotlight by completing the form to tell us your story.
Countdown to AVID Summer Institute 2024: Exciting New Emcees, Merchandise, and Activities!
With AVID Summer Institute rapidly approaching, we're thrilled to unveil our New General Session Emcees! These talented individuals will lead us through our revamped General Session, sharing impactful success stories from AVID students and educators, sparking countless a-ha! moments for attendees. Plus, discover our AVID T-shirt contest winner! Read More
We're excited to announce the winner of our T-shirt contest! After careful review of numerous creative entries, we've selected our winning design. This exclusive T-shirt will be featured and available for purchase at the MyAVIDstore and in-person throughout our Summer Institutes. Add another unique piece of AVID merchandise to your collection! We look forward to seeing you there!
Important Messages for High Schools with AVID Seniors
Many high school seniors are experiencing delays and complications with this year’s FAFSA. Technical difficulties with the system for accessing and completing incomplete forms (e.g., making corrections, signing, and finalizing, etc.) may cause students to miss critical deadlines for colleges they’ve been accepted to or are planning to attend. This may result in fewer AVID seniors enrolling in college this fall. Read More
Action for Site Teams: We recommend that high schools’ AVID Site Teams note any FAFSA challenges AVID seniors are experiencing. Documenting these challenges will provide context for possible declines in college enrollment and persistence rates. High schools with AVID seniors are encouraged to report their FAFSA circumstances in the Comments section of the Systems Domain in their Coaching and Certification Instrument (CCI). We’ve provided sample language below that may be helpful.
Sample comment: ___% of our AVID seniors submitted the FAFSA this year; however, due to complications in the FAFSA system, many seniors were unable to re-access or complete their forms. Due to student uncertainties regarding FAFSA support, college enrollment rates for fall 2024 may be negatively impacted.
Action for AVID seniors who have not yet submitted their Senior Data forms: AVID seniors should be encouraged to continue working to complete and submit their FAFSA and their AVID Senior Data Collection Forms.
An additional item will be added to the online form, allowing students to indicate whether FAFSA challenges impacted their plans after high school. Please note that any AVID Senior Data Collection Forms that students and teachers may have already printed out or downloaded will not reflect this new item. If your seniors have already submitted their AVID Senior Data Collection Form, there is no need to resubmit.
Please contact your AVID Program Manager with any questions or if you need additional guidance while working on your 2023–2024 CCI or Senior Data before the end of the school year.
Exciting Collaboration: AVID x Super League on Roblox — Launches in September
AVID is thrilled to announce a transformative educational game created in collaboration with Super League, exclusively on Roblox. Designed for high school students (grades 9–12), this game harnesses the power of game-based learning to develop essential life skills. Read More
Students will embark on problem-solving adventures, collaborate with peers, and utilize creativity and critical thinking to navigate challenges with limited resources.
Aligned with NGSS and ISTE standards, our game not only meets national educational requirements but does so in a manner that is both engaging and educational. Educators can rest assured that they are providing students with a dynamic learning experience that is both fun and foundational for future success in college and careers.
Upon release, AVID Elective teachers will have immediate access to comprehensive resources, including Weeks at a Glance, to effortlessly incorporate this game into their curricula. This seamless integration ensures that educators can enhance their lesson plans while students enjoy an interactive and motivational learning environment.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch this September. We are eager to see educators and students alike embrace this exciting new way to learn and grow. Get ready to play, learn, and prepare for the future with AVID x Super League on Roblox!
Site Team Checklist and Resources
Summer professional learning is almost here! Please take a look at the Site Team Checklist and Summer Learning resources to guide your team's work and to focus your efforts on a strong AVID implementation. Read More
We are excited to help you prepare for Summer Institute and the dedicated Site Team time on Days 1 and 2. During this time, you will use the AVID Site Team Portal Summer Learning to guide your work.
To help you prepare for this experience, we have created a checklist of things to consider prior to attending the AVID Site Team session at the Summer Institute. The checklist addresses both the preparation for the District Director and the Site Team members.
We are also excited to share two new resources for 2024–2025. The AVID Site Team Manual includes many resources that will be helpful to your year-round work. Additionally, the Site Team Quarters at a Glance will replace the Site Team Months at a Glance as a roadmap for guiding Site Team activities throughout the year.
We hope that these resources help set the stage for your AVID Site Team sessions at the Summer Institute. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Program Manager or attend one of the Site Team Q&A sessions. These dates can be found on the Site Team Portal Summer Learning page.
We look forward to seeing you at Summer Institute!
Help Emerging AVID Alum Get Connected!
AVID seniors can sign up with the Community of Champions before they even graduate! AVID grads, parents, families, and AVID educators can benefit from joining as well. Find Out More
Help your seniors—or any AVID grads, AVID parents/families, and AVID educators (that’s you!)—to access all the opportunities that come with being part of the Community of Champions. Whether it’s being an AVID Tutor, sharing your story, networking,or other alum-related events, it takes just a few easy steps to register.
Scan the QR code to get started or dive into the details on how to join by accessing and sharing the instructions with both AVID students and families. Together we can forge a vibrant community of college-bound and career-focused AVID alum!
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What’s Changed?
AVID WEEKLY®
May AVID Weekly and AVID Elementary Weekly
Check Out May AVID Weekly and AVID Elementary Weekly Lessons! Visit the MyAVID portal to see the new AVID Weekly and AVID Elementary Weekly lessons that were just published inside your MyAVID portal. AVID Weekly and AVID Elementary Weekly is a terrific resource with ready-to-go lessons that use critical reading strategies applicable across all content areas, bringing disciplinary literacy to life in every classroom so every student can be college-, career-, and life-ready. Read More
AVID Weekly — Visit one of our May lessons exploring engaging questions like these:
- What is the power of holding hands with someone you love?
- What are some helpful strategies to use when it's hard to find motivation?
- Who is Tatyana McFadden, and what can she do?
AVID Elementary Weekly — Check out our video lessons created for the texts:
- Lulu to the Rescue
- Lulu's Flashlight
To browse available lessons, visit MyAVID. Once inside MyAVID, click the “eLearning” ribbon to find the tile for “AVID Weekly and AVID Elementary Weekly.” Reminder: This year, we streamlined and simplified visual layout of the AVID Weekly and AVID Weekly Elementary website, with fewer clicks to access content. Check out this updated resource today.
AVID SCHOOLWIDE ADVISORY
Planning Ahead for Student Success
Is your site looking to enhance or start an advisory curriculum which challenges, supports, and provides skills to all students? Visit the AVID Schoolwide Advisory page to learn more about what you can be doing now to plan for student success next year with the AVID Schoolwide Advisory curriculum. Read More
The All Things Advisory page provides resources including how to get started, an implementation guide, sample schedules, best practices, and more. As the school year comes to a close and you set goals for next year, consider which instructional routines and content units will best support your students. See the AVID Schoolwide Advisory page and implementation guide for information about how to plan, gather resources, and train staff.
AVID WEEKS AT A GLANCE (WAG)
WAG Updates
Official Launch of the Weeks at a Glance
- Term 1 will post on August 1, 2024
- Term 2 will post early Fall* of 2024
- Term 3 will post late Fall* of 2024
- Term 4 will post Winter* of 2025
Learn more in the Weeks at a Glance Revision Project Updates.
*Exact dates will be announced closer to the release of each Term. Read More
New Postings for May
Packback* Disciplinary Literacy Lessons for Middle School Grades
- Thematic essay writing practice with AVID Instructional AI is posted for middle school. Pair the appropriate writing lesson from the Disciplinary Literacy: Writing Lessons with Packback (MS) unit with your grade level by using the AVID Elective Standards as a guide:
- 6th Grade: Use the Narrative Writing with Packback lesson.
- 6th and 8th Grades: Use the Persuasive/Argumentative Writing with Packback lesson.
- 7th Grade: Use the Expository Writing with Packback lesson.
- 7th and 8th Grades: Use the Descriptive Writing with Packback lesson.
*New to Packback? Sign up for free training to learn how to use it, then find the introductory lessons in the AVID + Packback: Setting Up for Success Unit (MS)
AVID Elective Student Badges Grades 9–12
- AVID Elective students in grades 9–12 can earn an AVID Student digital badge this school year. Lesson plans are posted in the Framework Friday page on MyAVID.
- Teachers award badges to students in grades 9–11 through AVID Digital Badging.
- Seniors will continue to opt in and enter their personal email for AVID Graduate badge delivery when they submit their Senior Data. Information about the process for seniors can be found on Day 151 of the Weeks at a Glance.
- Review this tip sheet for instructions.
- 12th Grade: From AVID Seniors to AVID Alumni Unit walks students and teachers through setting up their senior accounts and submitting their data to access all the AVID Alum opportunities through the Community of Champions.
- 12th Grade: Are your seniors struggling to complete FAFSA? Access FAFSA resources by downloading these targeted slides (PowerPoint Slides, Google Slides) and share with others on your campus.
Throughout this transitional year, both the new and existing WAG terms will remain accessible on MyAVID, ensuring teachers have the flexibility to choose between both WAG options. This approach guarantees minimal disruption in the delivery of AVID Elective instruction and allows districts time to adapt to the revised standards. As a reminder, the new WAG units are aligned with our revised AVID Elective Standards (taking effect in 2024– 25) and include Google formats for most unit resources.
Community Archive
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